WhatsApp to end support for older Android versions in 2026
via Business News1 min read
Recent reports suggesting WhatsApp will become inaccessible on Android are misleading. WhatsApp will not cease operations on Android entirely, but will discontinue support for very old versions of the operating system. Specifically, starting September 8, 2026, WhatsApp will no longer function on smartphones running Android versions older than 6.0. This change will primarily affect users with devices still operating on Android 5.0 or 5.1, which represent a very small segment of the current Android market. The majority of Android users, who have devices running Android 6.0 or newer and the latest app version, will not be impacted. Affected users will receive an in-app alert and are advised to back up their chats, either via Google Drive or local storage, before the deadline. This measure is specific to Android devices and does not affect iOS users.
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After months of record-high prices, the gold market is seeing a reversal, with prices now trending downwards. Hatem Ben Youssef, president of the Jewelers' Union Chamber, stated on Friday, June 12, 2026, that this decline is welcomed by professionals. He explained that excessively high prices ultimately harm the industry by making gold less accessible to many consumers, especially given the limited purchasing power in Tunisia. The price of an 18-carat gold gram had reached 380 dinars before correcting to 280 dinars, and is currently around 295 to 297 dinars. Ben Youssef noted that jewelers are not interested in price increases because they negatively impact sales. While the market is experiencing a progressive decline, consumers will not see an immediate reflection of this in store prices. This is because the selling price of jewelry includes the acquisition cost of raw materials and manufacturing. Some products exceeded 500 dinars per gram at the peak, with jewelers' profit margins remaining limited at about 2.5%. Some merchants are even selling without a profit margin to clear high-priced stock and replace it with more advantageously priced acquisitions. Once this transition is complete, profit margins will be restored, and more accessible prices will be offered to consumers. If the trend continues, an 18-carat gold gram could sell for 400 to 420 dinars. The decline is dependent on international prices, which are sensitive to geopolitical and financial uncertainties. For Tu
Must ReadThe 2026 FIFA World Cup commenced on Thursday, June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match at the iconic Azteca Stadium. This 23rd edition of the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada until July 19, marks a significant change with an unprecedented format featuring 48 national teams and a record 104 matches. A 15-minute opening ceremony, held before the match, celebrated Mexico's "unity, diversity, and ancestral culture" with traditional and contemporary music, customary dances, and a giant trophy display. Colombian singer Shakira performed "Dai Dai," a song composed for this World Cup, alongside Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy. J Balvin, Belinda, and Mexican singer Alejandro Fern谩ndez also participated in the festivities, which concluded with fireworks. The Azteca Stadium made history by hosting its third World Cup opening match, following 1970 and 1986, solidifying its status as a global football landmark. Thousands of fans gathered at the stadium, despite a significant security presence including the National Guard, riot police, and mounted units. Amidst the football celebration, social issues were also present, with a banner calling for a "boycott of the FIFA 2026 World Cup" displayed near the stadium. Striking teachers had also conducted protests, blocking parts of the capital. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated the situation was "under control," and the fan zone, set up in the Zocalo, opened as pla
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs announced on Thursday, June 11, 2026, the official dates for the main national cultural events scheduled for the last quarter of the year. The calendar includes three flagship events organized under the "Carthage" label: the Carthage Music Days JMC, the Carthage Theater Days JTC, and the Carthage Film Days JCC. The Carthage Music Days, directed by Mondher Fallah, will open the season from October 3 to 10, 2026. This event brings together artists, music industry professionals, and cultural sector stakeholders, serving as a key platform for musical creation in Tunisia and the Arab and African world. The Carthage Theater Days, led by Slim Sonhaji, will follow from November 21 to 28, 2026. This event is a significant platform for exchange and promotion of performing arts in the region, attracting theater companies, directors, and professionals from various countries. The Carthage Film Days, under the direction of Mokhtar Ajimi, will take place from December 12 to 19, 2026. Established in 1966, the JCC remains Tunisia's most iconic cinematic event and one of the oldest festivals dedicated to African and Arab cinema. This edition will further promote regional productions and emerging talents in filmmaking.